How to Select Properly Rated Trailer Tires

Question:

Hello, Looking for some guidance here. I have a 1994 StarCraft Stardust with a gross weight under 1500 pounds. I currently have Eco trail load range C 6 ply tires on it with a load capacity of 1045 pounds each. I inflate them to the max 80 psi during tow. I generally add another 250 pounds of food, clothes, bedding , supplies, etc. The tires currently have been on the camper for 18 months and likely have somewhere around 3000 miles on them. There is no unreasonable or asymmetric wear on the tread’s and otherwise they look healthy. So here’s my question, is this the best tire for my camper considering it’s weight? How often should I change these tires regardless of their appearance? Thank you for your help,

asked by: LONNIE L

Expert Reply:

Tires only need to have a capacity that, when combined, equal or surpass the GVWR of your trailer, including your 1994 StarCraft Stardust trailer.

For example, if you had 13 inch wheels and your trailer had a GVWR of 2,500 lbs you could use the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire # TTWTRTM1758013C which have a 1,360 lb capacity when inflated to their max 50 psi. Two of these tires inflated to max psi would give you a 2,720 lb capacity, exceeding the GVWR of the trailer.

So as long as your current tires have a capacity that exceeds your StarCraft's GVWR - which it sounds like they do based on the weights you gave - and they are showing no signs of wear, then there is no reason to change them out. Trailer tires when properly cared for can last 6 or so years, but they will almost certainly show signs of wear before then.

expert reply by: Kyle S